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Bad Breath

Bad Breath is medically known as halitosis. It is the condition when a person‚’s mouth emanates an odor that is unbearable to themselves as well as to others who come in close contact with them. This condition of malodor is considered to be a stigma on a person‚’s social life and can cause a negative impression.

Causes of Bad breath

The main cause of bad breath is the presence of microorganisms in the dental interspaces. These microorganisms, usually bacteria, thrive on the food matter that is stuck between the teeth. The decomposition of this food matter, along with the biological processes of the bacteria themselves, is the main reason why people suffer from halitosis . Conditions such as dental decay can exacerbate this condition.

In addition, even accumulation of food residues on the tongue can cause the breeding of microorganisms and hence cause the occurrence of bad breath. The food accumulation on the tongue can cause the presence of a biofilm on it in due course of time which is a definite cause for this condition.

Treatment

Proper dental hygiene is one of the best and most popular ways in which bad breath conditions can be curtailed. This includes brushing and flossing of the teeth on a regularly scheduled basis. People should pay due attention of the food particles that are liable to be stuck in the interspaces of their teeth and must take proper dental care before retiring for the night, because the bacteria present in the teeth are the most highly active in the nighttime. At the same time, it is very important to use tongue cleaners and keep the tongue regularly clean so that the bacteria do not accumulate on it.

Visits to the dentists and dental hygienists should also be scheduled regularly. Dentists will take care of any problems that occur with the teeth, such as the presence of cavities or caries, which they will treat either with a dental filling or some other appropriate method. Dental hygienists will perform tasks such as cleaning of the entire tooth and gum structure and will also administer methods such as dental whitening and cleaning if they are called for. After a dental treatment, the condition of bad breath is suppressed for a significant amount of time.

Mouthwashes are also very useful in controlling conditions of bad breath. These mouthwashes contain astringent chemicals, which are antibacterial in nature. These can check the presence of the bacteria in the mouth and can effectively reduce the condition of halitosis.

A similar effect can be had by chewing gum that is made with the same principles as mouthwashes . One of the reasons why chewing gum helps in dental care is because it makes the mouth secrete saliva, and most bacteria cannot survive in this medium. The presence of the bacteria is promoted when the mouth is dry.

Having a healthy diet is also one of the significant ways in which bad breath can be controlled. The right kind of diet to mitigate this condition is that which is abundant in water content and vitamins, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Consuming adequate amount of water a day and not allowing the mouth to dry up help in preventing the condition too.